A Relaxed Wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio
Iain & Lewis
Escape the ordinary and step into a heartwarming celebration of love at Conti di San Bonifacio Wine Resort in Tuscany. Join Iain and Lewis, a charming couple from England, as they exchange heartfelt vows in a relaxed, symbolic ceremony amidst rolling hills and vineyards. Discover the magic of their unconventional wedding, filled with laughter, friendship, and a delightful blend of Tuscan charm and laid-back fun.
The rolling hills of Tuscany, with their iconic cypress trees and seemingly endless vineyards, provided the breathtaking backdrop for a truly unique and heartfelt celebration: the wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio of Iain and Lewis. This charming couple, hailing from the north of England but now residing in London, chose the idyllic Conti di San Bonifacio Wine Resort as the stage for their commitment, a testament to their shared love for Italy, its captivating landscapes, and, of course, its exquisite wine. Their vision wasn't of stiff formality or rigid tradition, but of a relaxed and joyful gathering, a vibrant party where their closest friends could share in their happiness as they embarked on this new chapter.
Nestled amongst the vineyards that define the Maremma region of Tuscany, Conti di San Bonifacio exudes a rustic yet elegant charm. This isn't just a wedding venue; it's a working wine estate steeped in history and surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of nature, the air filled with the scent of blooming lavender and ripening grapes, and panoramic views stretching across undulating hills painted in hues of green and gold. This is the experience that Conti di San Bonifacio offers.
The architecture of the resort itself blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Stone walls, terracotta roofs, and sun-drenched courtyards whisper tales of centuries past. While the exact legends tied to Conti di San Bonifacio might be closely guarded secrets adding to its mystique, the very essence of such estates in Tuscany is woven with stories of noble families, generations dedicated to the land, and the art of winemaking passed down through time. You can almost picture horse-drawn carriages traversing the gravel paths and hear the echoes of laughter from celebrations long ago.
A Tuscan Dreamscape
The surrounding Tuscan landscape is an integral part of the wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio experience. Picture postcard views unfold in every direction – silvery olive groves, fields of sunflowers in the summer months, and the distant shimmer of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The light in Tuscany has a magical quality, casting a warm golden glow that enhances the romance and beauty of any occasion, especially a wedding. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, inviting you to savor every moment and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
A Love Story Rooted in Laughter and Shared Passions
Iain and Lewis, both 34, share a grounded and refreshingly down-to-earth approach to life and love. Originally from Durham, their paths crossed in the bustling city of London in 2013, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. While Lewis dreams of a quieter life in the countryside, they currently navigate the vibrant energy of London, sharing passions for food, wine, travel, theatre, and the joy of entertaining friends. Their dynamic is a delightful blend of contrasts. Lewis, the creative and more emotive one, finds solace in playing the piano and expressing himself through painting. Iain, on the other hand, readily admits to a lack of artistic flair, finding his relaxation in the pages of a newspaper or the company of their dog. In the kitchen, Lewis shines as the brilliant cook, while Iain takes on the crucial role of wine connoisseur and pourer – a perfect partnership, they jest.
What truly defines Iain and Lewis is their shared informality and a distinct aversion to unnecessary traditions. Iain, in particular, would happily have traded formal attire for shorts on their special day if Lewis had allowed it! This desire for a relaxed and fun atmosphere was central to their vision for their wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio. They weren't seeking a meticulously staged affair for social media; their priority was genuine connection and unadulterated joy with their closest friends.
"We are not very public with our emotions," they shared candidly. "Lewis is more open, but Iain is very private. It might sound unusual for a wedding, but we don't want it to be too romantic, or too focused on us. We want it to be a fun party where we also get married, rather than a 9-hour festival of our love!" This sentiment perfectly explains their choice of a documentary-style photographer, someone who could capture the natural moments of laughter and camaraderie rather than posed, picture-perfect shots.
Friends hold a special place in their hearts. With small families, Iain and Lewis knew their wedding would be primarily a celebration with their chosen family. While cherishing the presence of their parents and wanting some lovely photos with them, their main focus was on their friends feeling comfortable, relaxed, and maybe even a little silly.
Their decision to host their wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio in Tuscany was a natural extension of their shared love for Italy. Getting engaged amidst the vineyards near Verona in 2019 solidified their connection to the country. "Given we love travel and great food and wine, it seemed a perfect idea to return to Italy for the wedding," they explained. The anticipation among their friends and family for a trip to Italy to celebrate their union was palpable.
The atmosphere on the day of Iain and Lewis's wedding was exactly as they had envisioned: relaxed, intimate, and filled with warmth. The fact that they and most of their guests, who had travelled from England and beyond, were staying at the resort fostered a sense of togetherness and ease from the very beginning. Iain and Lewis even prepared for their ceremony in the same room, a testament to their comfortable and unconventional approach.
“The symbolic ceremony itself was a beautiful reflection of their personalities”
The symbolic ceremony itself was simple yet deeply meaningful. Rustic wooden chairs were arranged on the lawn in front of the main building, overlooking the stunning Tuscan panorama. There were no rigid rituals, just heartfelt vows exchanged between two people deeply in love, surrounded by their most cherished companions
“A Truly Wedding Pool Party!”
Following the ceremony, the celebration seamlessly transitioned into a long and joyful aperitivo by the poolside. In true Iain and Lewis style, this wasn't a formal affair. Guests mingled freely, enjoying delicious local delicacies and, of course, the estate's exquisite wines. The relaxed vibe even extended to some guests taking a refreshing dip in the pool, swimwear and celebratory cheers blending perfectly! It was the epitome of a relaxed wedding reception meets a fun-filled pool party.
“Dining at descending sun”
As the Tuscan sun began its descent, painting the sky in fiery hues, the ceremony space was magically transformed into an elegant dining area. The Conti di San Bonifacio staff worked their magic, arranging long imperial tables that offered breathtaking views of the unfolding sunset.
“Heartfelt and often hilarious speeches ”
Heartfelt and often hilarious speeches punctuated the delicious dinner, adding to the intimate and personal atmosphere of the wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio.
The festivities continued long after the last morsel of food was savored.
Iain and Lewis, along with their guests, moved to the dedicated disco area, where
“they danced and celebrated late into the night, the joy and laughter echoing through the Tuscan air”
Their wedding day was a true reflection of their love story: unpretentious, full of laughter, and centered on the people who matter most to them. It was a testament to the fact that a wedding doesn't need to be steeped in tradition to be incredibly special and deeply meaningful.
The memories created at Iain & Lewis’ wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio will undoubtedly be cherished by all who were lucky enough to be a part of it.
If you are planning your relaxed wedding at Conti di San Bonifacio Wine Resort in Tuscany, you’ve come to the right place! Our style of documentary photography adapts to any type of location and wedding. If you like our way of telling stories and want to know what we can offer you for your wedding, we would love to hear from you!
